This study builds on and follows on from the two previous assessments undertaken through the WRC. This study is the most comprehensive and detailed study of its type to date and expands on the knowledge acquired previously and through collaborative efforts with the DWA Regional Offices in the data gathering process. Data were gathered from 132 of the possible 237 municipalities throughout South Africa representing over 75% of the total Municipal water supply. From the analysis of the results, it was estimated that the current level of Non-Revenue Water for the country as a whole is 36.8%. This figure is similar to the estimated world average of 36.6% but is on the high side when compared to other developed countries and low when compared to other developing countries. The use of percentages is not recommended by the International Water Association when referring to water losses or leakage levels as they can often be misleading.
The Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) is often used as an alternative to percentages when quantifying the real or physical leakage. The ILI indicator is a simple index which typically ranges from 1 in very well managed systems to over 100 in very badly managed systems. The average ILI value for all of the South African Municipalities was estimated to be 6.8 which again is in line with the world average and would be above average (i.e. bad) when compared to most developed countries and well below average (i.e. good) when compared to most developing countries. Effectively, the ILI value of 6.8 tends to support the perception created from the percentage Non revenue Water figures for South Africa (36.8%) where there is clearly a high level of wastage or water losses in the country and considerable scope for improvement.